Crispy and Nutty Stir-Fried Cucumber with Perilla Seeds
[Kids’ Side Dish] Super Simple Stir-Fried Cucumber with Perilla Seeds Recipe
Introducing ‘Stir-Fried Cucumber with Perilla Seeds,’ a dish where fresh cucumbers meet the nutty flavor of perilla seeds, stimulating your appetite. The delightful crunchy texture combined with the rich nuttiness of perilla seeds makes it an irresistible addition to your meal. It’s perfect as a side dish for kids or even as a snack for adults! Enjoy this simple yet delicious meal option with our Stir-Fried Cucumber with Perilla Seeds.
Main Ingredients
- 3 Korean cucumbers (Baek-oi)
- 2 Tbsp perilla seed powder
- 2 Tbsp olive oil
- 1 Tbsp salt
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, wash the 3 Korean cucumbers thoroughly under running water. Remove the ends and thinly slice them into rounds, about 0.3 cm thick, similar to how you would slice for kimbap. Slicing them thinly will enhance the texture.
Step 2
Sprinkle 1 Tbsp of salt evenly over the sliced cucumbers. Salting them for 10 minutes will help draw out excess moisture, preserving their crispiness.
Step 3
After 10 minutes, discard the water that has accumulated from salting the cucumbers. Do NOT rinse the cucumbers under cold water! Instead, use your hands to squeeze out as much moisture as possible. Leaving residual water can make the stir-fry soggy.
Step 4
Heat 2 Tbsp of olive oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Add the squeezed cucumbers and stir-fry for about 1 minute. Be careful not to overcook them, as you want them to retain some crispness.
Step 5
Now it’s time to add the nutty flavor by adding 2 Tbsp of perilla seed powder. Once added, mix well with the cucumbers to prevent clumps. Ensuring an even distribution of the perilla seed powder will allow you to fully enjoy its rich flavor.
Step 6
Continue to stir-fry for another minute after adding the perilla seed powder, just until the cucumbers are slightly softened and well combined with the perilla. Turn off the heat, transfer the mixture to a wide plate, and let it cool completely. The crispiness is best enjoyed when slightly cooled rather than eaten piping hot.
Step 7
And there you have it! Your ‘Simple Stir-Fried Cucumber with Perilla Seeds’ is ready, boasting a wonderful crunch and a rich, nutty aroma from the perilla seeds. It’s delicious served over warm rice or as a side dish. Anyone can easily make this, so give it a try!
